King's ideals can still help make a difference

Jan. 19, 2013

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Gabe Cleveland

Essay Contest

“Fair play, goodwill and justice” is the theme of this year’s the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. student essay contest. The winning essays are published in this special section. The contest, now in its 30th year, is sponsored by the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association and the Journal Sentinel.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an amazing man who had many great ideas and beliefs. Even though he died in 1968, his ideas still apply to our lives. Fair play, goodwill and justice are important values we should live by everyday.

Fair play happens when everyone has an equal chance for winning. Games and activities that have rules that are fair to both sides are an example of fair play. When we play a game with our friends at recess or during a sports activity in gym class we should always use fair play. If everyone plays by the rules, is honest and respectful, both sides can have fun whether they win or lose. Nobody's feelings will get hurt if we remember to be a good sport.

Goodwill means being kind and caring. Some examples of goodwill are volunteering your time, helping out adults like your parents or teachers, and even helping out your peers when they need it. Being generous is a way you can show goodwill toward others. Some people like to donate money or things to those in need, but you can also donate your time by being helpful. You don't have to have a lot of money to show goodwill toward others every day. Just ask a neighbor, teacher or family member how you can help out.

Justice is being fair and reasonable. Fair laws and equal rights for all are good examples of justice in the world today. Justice also has to do with equal opportunities for all people and an equal chance for success in life. An example of justice could be a teacher allowing all students to participate in an activity instead of choosing only the students who are really good at the activity. We should never discriminate against people who are different than we are. We all deserve the chance to be happy. Always set a good example for others and stand up for what you know is right.

If we apply these three ideas to our daily lives we can make a difference in the world and the lives of the people around us. I hope I can make a difference in the life of someone who reads this essay and maybe help teach people better ways to treat one another.